*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                         Alpine Baked Pasta Fntv

Recipe By     : Michael's Place Show #ML1C21
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Pasta

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   6      qt            Water -- with:
   2      tb            Salt
   1      lb            Dry penne pasta
   1                    Leek (1 c) -- well washed,
                        - chopped
   1      bn            Spinach (2 c) -- washed and
                        - coarsely chopped
   4      tb            Unsalted butter
   2      tb            Fresh sage -- chopped
   1      tb            Poppy seeds
     1/2  c             Fontina cheese -- grated
     1/4  c             Parmesan cheese -- grated
   1      ts            Salt
   1      ts            Ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Place the water in a large pot and bring to the boil. Add the salt,
return to the boil, and add the pasta. When the water returns to the
boil, begin to time the pasta carefully, and after 8 minutes of
cooking time add the leeks. Cook the pasta and leeks together for
another 2 minutes after the water has returned to the boil. 

While waiting for the pasta to cook, put the butter into a saucepan
and begin to melt to a golden brown. When the butter is a light nut
brown add the sage and poppy seeds and set aside. 

The pasta leek combination should cook for a total time of about 10
to 11 minutes (check the recommenced cooking time on the pasta box).
Add the spinach in the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Cook together
for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and toss with the sage butter, add the salt
and pepper and place into a buttered gratin dish. 

Add both cheeses and stir to combine. Place the gratin dish into the
oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted and
the top edges begin to brown. Serve immediately. 

Yield: 6 to 8 portions

Copyright, Michael Lomonaco 1998

Posted by: Diane Geary


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